Mr Potato Head

Mr Potato Head, made in Hong Kong about 1960. Museum no. Misc.124-1980. (click image for larger version)

The invention of George Lerner, Mr Potato Head was launched by the toy company, Hasbro in 1952. The original Mr Potato Head contained only parts, such as eyes, ears, noses and mouths, and parents had to supply their children with real potatoes. Although the toy was called Mr Potato Head, it was suggested that any fruit or vegetable could be used. In 1964, a hard plastic potato 'body' was included, replacing the need for a real potato.

Over the next three decades, a variety of Mr Potato Head products were sold including a Mrs Potato Head, and two children, Brother Spud and Sister Yam. In the 1970s the pieces grew in size in order to comply with toy safety regulations. In 1987 Mr Potato Head had to lose his pipe because of pressure from the anti-smoking lobby.

Mr Potato Head has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, which is due in part to his appearance as one of the animated characters in Toy Story 1, 2 and 3.

Mr Potato Head is still produced today by Hasbro and is marketed as a creative toy for young children. There are even Star Wars Potato Heads - Darth Tater, Artoo-Potatoo and Spud Trooper.

This Mr Potato Head is the British version - with 'hard' body - made by Peter Pan Toys. Its parts include the usual eyes, ears and mouth and it also has feet, arms and hands as well as spectacles, hats, moustaches and a pipe. As this is a sailing set, there is also a car and a boat.